Washington Backing Manas Tender Plan, Shuns Gazprom JV

Kyrgyz soldiers tour a petroleum, oils and lubricants fuel farm in August at the Manas airbase during a tour to help build the relationship between Kyrgyzstan and the US military. (Photo: US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Nathan Bevier)

It appears that the US government is resolved to sticking with a competitive tender plan to cover future fuel supplies at the Manas Transit Center in Kyrgyzstan, despite a Kyrgyz provisional government preference to set up a joint venture involving a state-run entity and the Russian-state-run Gazprom conglomerate.

Officials in Bishkek portray the joint-venture option as having two big benefits – limiting the possibility for corrupt practices and bringing in extra revenue to Kyrgyz state coffers. Involving Gazprom, Kyrgyz officials contend, could generate an additional $60 million in income for the state.

Washington Backing Manas Tender Plan, Shuns Gazprom JV

Kyrgyz soldiers tour a petroleum, oils and lubricants fuel farm in August at the Manas airbase during a tour to help build the relationship between Kyrgyzstan and the US military. (Photo: US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Nathan Bevier)